Mary, New Zealand Specialist

After graduating college in Baltimore, I moved to Wellington, New Zealand on a working holiday visa to live and travel with friends. We quickly immersed ourselves in the quirky food capital, working in cafes and hostels with backpackers from the around the globe. In our travels, we moved from the North to the South Island, working on farms and camping in vans along the way. Only six months after my visa ended, I was hired by Audley as a New Zealand country specialist and returned for a month of travel as part of my research for my new position.

These two experiences have left me with a comprehensive knowledge of the country and all it has to offer. Back at my desk, I’m eager to share my stories and help others explore the country I so quickly fell in love with.

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Start planning your trip to New Zealand with Mary by calling 1-855-491-0642

Situated on the fourth largest lake in the country, Wanaka is a laid-back waterfront town set against a backdrop of towering mountains. Whether you are here to relax and soak up the views or take to the water or the hills on one of the many adventure activities available here, it makes a great year-round destination. You can enjoy a growing number of exciting activities from kayaking to parasailing, hike through the mountains, or simply cafe-hop along the waterfront. In summer, its sunny climate offers the ideal conditions for lake exploration, autumn presents vibrant displays of turning leaves, while winter offers many opportunities for cross-country and downhill skiing.

Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a great base for exploring the region and visiting the historic Treaty House of Waitangi, the Russell Peninsula and the dramatic local coastline. In the heart of the town is Allegra House, a modern bed and breakfast with spacious suites offering panoramic views. The guesthouse sits on top of the hill and is designed to make the most of its location and surroundings. Each room has enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and a private deck to enjoy the views so you can relax in comfort after a day taking advantage of everything the area has to offer.

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I'll never forget when…

Rather than one specific memory, my enduring image of New Zealand remains the atmosphere at the Wellington Sunday market. The city always seemed sunnier as the week came to a close and the Sunday market filled with friends and families buying local fruit and veg along the waterfront, casually making their way from the beach into town. The streets just seemed to come alive with happy people filling the outdoor cafes and vintage thrift shops, admiring the local art and embracing the city’s vibrant coffee culture. This affable, laid-back weekend scene is ingrained in my memory and always set against the backdrop of Wellington’s jaw-dropping natural surroundings.

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Written by our specialists, our destination brochures are not only designed to showcase the countless beautiful places you can travel to, but also to help narrow down the many choices you're faced with when planning a trip.